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AR15.COM
8/9/2017 11:28:48 PM EDT
I had a question raised about Expanse barrels, and how they are labeled.  I have a barrel I bought as a Colt, and I was asked if it was an Expanse.  It was not a take-off, as I purchased from a dealer as a Colt, and shows no signs of ever having been installed.  I have never seen an Expanse, so I cannot say, but what are people seeing as Expanse 16" 5.56 barrels ?

@Tigwelder1971
8/9/2017 11:42:01 PM EDT
[#1]
The one you had listed I would've guessed was an expanse barrel. 
I believe none are chrome lined and that contour I've seen on expanse barrels.

The newer ones might be different ..
8/9/2017 11:44:36 PM EDT
[#2]





Barrels are not CLd. Markings are caliber/twist rate/ followed by either "C" or "C P".

Barrels measures .750" from journal forward.

Colt competition has a similar barrel, IIRC?

No cage code stamp or "C M P" markings.

Edit: Thinking on this, the Colt competition bbls may be 1/8 twist? I believe? (Please don't quote me on that point).
8/10/2017 12:17:07 AM EDT
[#3]
The retailer that seemed to have ended up with most of the Colt Competition (Bold Ideas) spare parts currently has "Colt Competition" barrels for sale.  Pictures seem to match the ones previously posted and are consistent with that seen on non-SOCOM Expanse rifles.  Description is as follows:

Details

AR15 BARREL 556 NATO 16IN COLT COMPETITION 1:7

Match Air Gauged for Maximum Uniformity
Colt Competition Barrel - C Proofed - Phosphate Finish - M4 Feed Ramps
Overall Length: 16.5"
Gas System: Carbine Length
Requires .750" Gas Block
Threaded 1/2"x28
4150V Chromoly Steel
Marked "5.56 NATO 1/7 C"
8/10/2017 6:46:12 AM EDT
[#4]
I'd say you are right hollowpoint, matches exactly. I have limited experience with the competition series, but
fairly extensive with the Expanse.

I saw that CDNN bought out all the TX based budget inventory since it's closing, now this will be like the intro. of the Expanse all over again. Guys buying " Colt" components that are not at all what they have come to expect from Colt in the past. There will be issues and "WTF" threads galore.


16" colt competition barrel link

Eta: I have been watching another internet vendor selling these barrels, with the claim that they are Colt socom barrels "absent of any Colt markings".

Talk about misleading the customer.
8/10/2017 8:30:58 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
I'd say you are right hollowpoint, matches exactly. I have limited experience with the competition series, but
fairly extensive with the Expanse.

I saw that CDNN bought out all the TX based budget inventory since it's closing, now this will be like the intro. of the Expanse all over again. Guys buying " Colt" components that are not at all what they have come to expect from Colt in the past. There will be issues and "WTF" threads galore.


16" colt competition barrel link

Eta: I have been watching another internet vendor selling these barrels, with the claim that they are Colt socom barrels "absent of any Colt markings".

Talk about misleading the customer.
View Quote
I ran across the "It's a Colt barrel, it's just not marked!  Trust us!" vendor as well. Think those were the 1 in 8 twist barrels.  I wish CDNN was a little more specific on what they're selling.  They're big enough it's going to cause some issues for some.  I'm halfway intrigued by the buffer tubes they have.  4 position for $14.99.  I've thought about ordering a couple just to compare to a known Colt...need one to finish an SBR build.  I'm fairly certain I learned something scrolling through their parts though.  Based on the way they have the "Colt Competition" BCG listed, and the results a google search of that part #, I'm fairly convinced they are AO Precision.  Makes you wonder if they don't make the barrel as well...
8/10/2017 8:58:50 AM EDT
[#6]
Thanks, all, esp. TW.  I got this on GB from a liquidator.  Sure looks like an expanse.  I had not seen the mid-weight barrel before on Colt.  Gov't profile, HBAR, SOCOM, etc.  I trusted the "C," as I had heard that most of the Expanse parts did not have the "C" unless they were from colt, e.g., BCG, upper.  Then, there were many Expanse owners who had full-fledged M4 Carbine lowers, so I assumed Expanse was getting all sorts of parts, some Colt and some not Colt.

Barrel looks well made, and as I look at it, it is NOT Chrome-line, which actually can be a good thing.  Chrome lining is great for wear and automatic fire, but not the best for accuracy.

Cheers
8/10/2017 9:51:16 AM EDT
[#7]
The 2 Expanse barrels that I had were great shooters. And I knew what I was buying as they were represented as such, so non-issue there.

The bad part is, guys buy them based off of the Colt name with certain expectations of specs, then they show up and it's "did I get ripped off?" Is this Colt?"  Lots of confusion with the introduction of Expanse and Colt competition lines.

As far as the CDNN parts, Colt Expanse series carbines have been a mix/match affair from the get go.   Some with budget parts/others with mixed 6920 parts.

Cory @ Colt CS assured me at the time, that Expanse may contain 6920 parts, but that 6920s will not share Expanse parts.

The 4 position extension is likely gtg. At $15, I'd FO.

As far as the components from DTT, all I will say is BUYER BEWARE. Google their reviews or archive search here.
8/10/2017 2:30:18 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
The 2 Expanse barrels that I had were great shooters. And I knew what I was buying as they were represented as such, so non-issue there.

The bad part is, guys buy them based off of the Colt name with certain expectations of specs, then they show up and it's "did I get ripped off?" Is this Colt?"  Lots of confusion with the introduction of Expanse and Colt competition lines.

As far as the CDNN parts, Colt Expanse series carbines have been a mix/match affair from the get go.   Some with budget parts/others with mixed 6920 parts.

Cory @ Colt CS assured me at the time, that Expanse may contain 6920 parts, but that 6920s will not share Expanse parts.

The 4 position extension is likely gtg. At $15, I'd FO.

As far as the components from DTT, all I will say is BUYER BEWARE. Google their reviews or archive search here.
View Quote
Good advice.  

The Expanse HB's I recently bought had 6 position RE.  I removed the barrels to send to ADCO and the receiver extensions to put in the Colt 4 positions ones.  I know that the most critical parts are now installed to proper torque specs.   The carrier key allen screws are staked JUST like a Colt and the chroming also looks factory colt.